What better way to start the holiday weekend than looking at pictures of cute pets celebrating Independence Day? Check out the 2010 winners of Martha Stewart’s Patriotic Pet Contest. (Bonus patriotic pets available here.)

I’m not sure how this next item relates to the upcoming holiday, but who cares? I am loving this new (albeit inexplicable) trend – lobster dogs!

Although many dog breeds originated elsewhere, did you know that there are some that are truly all-American? For info on some of these home-grown pooches (and a few kitties), check out this link. (There’s a more comprehensive list on this site as well.)

The list of all-American breeds includes my beloved Toy Fox Terrier. In honor of my own childhood best friend, Scotti, I present to you the best terrier tribute out there: